Uncover the secrets of crafting a cocktail as suave and sophisticated as 007 himself with this quick and easy recipe!
Some things simply aren’t done. Like drinking a Dom Perignon ’53 above a temperature of 38°F—or quoting James Bond films out of context. But the most famous of British spies never cared much for rules, did he? Case in point: He ordered his martini shaken, not stirred, in the original Casino Royale novel. Any modern-day mixologist will tell you that’s the wrong way to do it, though probably not in the presence of the world-class actors who played the character on the silver screen.
This recipe for a James Bond martini breaks some rules, too. First off, like any spy worth his MI6 clearance, it has an alias: the Vesper drink. Second, this drink shuns mixers like an undercover agent without backup. There’s no squeeze of citrus or splash of soda—just spirits, ice, and a twist of lemon. Instead, it pulls in an international liaison, Lillet Blanc.
This French fortified white wine is even more complex and riveting than the plot of Ian Fleming’s novels. It adds depth and nuance to the gin and vodka with a touch of sweetness, a slightly floral character, and notes of honey. Hardcore cocktail aficionados might sub in Cocchi Americano to more closely emulate the bitter quinine taste of Bond’s original drink. His would have been made with Kina Lillet, which contained cinchona bark but was discontinued in the 1980s.
Whichever version you opt for, remember that this is a stronger, boozier beverage than your average cocktail. Savor it slowly in the company of people you’d trust with national secrets.
Tips for Bond-worthy martinis
- Pre-chilling the glass—by either placing it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes or filling it with ice water while you make the drink—delivers a sip as icy as Daniel Craig’s blue eyes.
- Straining the mixed drink with a fine mesh strainer makes for a more elegant, Pierce Brosnan-level presentation.
- Shaking creates a frosty, dilute cocktail true to Bond’s classic order, as Sean Connery might have preferred. Stirring gives a clearer, smoother texture—more like Roger Moore’s line delivery.
- Expressing lemon oils over the cocktail enhances both aroma and flavor, and running the peel around the rim adds a luxurious touch, like Timothy Dalton’s dimpled chin.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover James Bond martinis sans ice and garnish in an airtight container or sealable bottle in the fridge. Because there’s no juice or perishable mixer involved, it’ll keep its peak flavors for up to 2-3 weeks. This drink also freezes very well for up to a year in a freezer-safe container with as little extra airspace as possible. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for about an hour on the counter, then stir or shake briefly with ice before straining into a glass, garnishing, and serving.
Serving suggestions
Serve a James Bond martini alongside dishes as sophisticated as his classic black tuxedo. A Sous Vide Steak brings upscale vibes with a chef-level cooking technique. With roots in the area of France that borders both Switzerland and Italy, Savoy Cabbage offers international flair Bond could relate to. And to finish strong, go for the sexiest of all desserts: Chocolate-Covered Strawberries.
Ingredients
- 3 ounces gin
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1/2 ounce Lillet Blanc
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the gin, vodka, and Lillet Blanc in a cocktail mixing glass.
- Fill the mixing glass about 3/4 full with ice and stir gently for about 30 seconds, until the mixture is ice-cold and well diluted.
- Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Twist a lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then run it around the rim and drop it in as garnish. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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